That is interesting, I switched from a manual 1.3 to a CVT 1.5. You mention stalling, coming from decades of diesel driving we both found this an occaisional problem when moving off. Particular care was required when turning into our street, an uphill right turn on a busy road. I think the torque converter must help when moving off in a CVT 1.3 possibly disguising it's gutless low rev power output. As I have said before I consider my purchase of a manual 1.3 a mistake as you have to work at driving it, making allowances for its lack of low speed performance. A good car spoiled by poor engine programming. The 1.5 engine totally transforms the car, making for relaxed progress, certainly with the CVT, but I would expect the same with a DIY gearbox.